Chocolate Is Healthy

The health benefits of chocolate can be enjoyed not only in the form of raw chocolate bars. Chocolate is becoming a central ingredient in teas and other infused beverages as well.

One of the great things about the infusion of chocolate and tea is that you enjoy the chocolate
health benefits and rich flavors without calories. It’s also an opportunity to try interesting flavor combinations you may not have come across in regular chocolate. Chocolate-flavored teas obviously make a great finish to a meal, but many are balanced enough to be enjoyed at any time of day. Thankfully, you’ll find both caffeinated and non-caffeinated versions of chocolate tea such as in this Chocolate Mint Truffle Rooibos Tea- 4oz. bag meaning the intoxicating blend of cacao nibs, mint and rooibos leaves won’t keep you up at night. Yet, you receive the massive antioxidants of chocolate and rooibos, sometimes referred to as red tea. Finally, chocolate tea is not just a grown up drink. Kids enjoy the chocolate backdrop enormously as well as the unique flavor combinations. And, you can find both loose leaf and bag versions of chocolate tea, so it can be prepared it in whatever way you prefer.

If you enjoy the warm cardamom, cinnamon and clove flavors of chai, then you may like the ML Masala Chocolate Truffle Herbal Tea Tin. In addition to the zesty spice mixture, this loose leaf herbal tea offers creamy chocolate notes. It’s decaffeinated so enjoy it whenever you like!

Perhaps you’re more interested in the naturally caffeinated mate, made from chicory. This energizing drink has been said to increase metabolism and alertness. The ORAC value of antioxidants in mate is several times that of many fruits and vegetables. This Chocolate Maté Solstice 20 tea bags: K from Pixie Mate might be for you. For a few dollars, it’s a great way to try this bliss-inducing, non-addictive energy tea.

For the ultimate chocolate tea gift, Mighty Leaf put together this gorgeously decadent Au Chocolat Gift Tea Set which includes 6 of their imaginative chocolate truffle tea blends as well as six squares of bittersweet Scharffen Berger chocolate and a tea infuser.

Despite being geared toward the Western U.S., we love reading Sunset for its food and decorating ideas.  In the January issue, they called out a number of healthy dark chocolate products, some of which were new to us.

Utah’s Amano Artisan Chocolate makes award-winning, single varietal handmade chocolate bars incorporate carefully sourced beans from Venezuela, Madagascar, Ecuador, Bali, Ghana and beyond.  They also sell hand roasted cocoa nibs and bulk chocolate.

Claudio Corallo cultivates a cacao plantation on the African island of Principe, a biologically-rich island with world-reknown cacao.  His offers complex bars, some with flavors like orange and ginger, as well as whole roasted cacao beans that have a delicious nutty texture.

We also learned about Portland, OR based Sip to Live, a shop with unique blends of organic teas based on ayurvedic principles.  Each blend helps to serve and refresh different areas of the body.  For example The Cool-Out, with its blend of chamomile, cherry bark and other herbs is made to soothe the nerves.

We’ll eat pretty much anything covered in chocolate. But why do chocolate-covered cacao nibs make a particularly great snack?   Fresh cacao nibs can be compared to an unsweetened chocolate chip, as they’re made from crushed cocoa beans.  On their own, they’re crunchy, rich and nutritious, not to mention their mood-elevating properties.  Cacao nibs can be blended into smoothies, used in baking or added to granola for a low-calorie, vegan boost.

Cover cacao nibs in dark chocolate and you have a sweet, giftworthy treat that’s also a portable snack.  The taste of chocolate-covered cacao nibs depends on the type of chocolate used.  Chocolate containing a higher level of cacao means a chocolate-covered cacao nib that’s more intense and less sweet than those with a lower percentage.  They will have a smooth, shiny look and taste, with the chocolate balancing some of the mild bitterness of the cacao nib. Look for nuances of fruit, nuts, vanilla, or smokiness, depending on the chocolate used.

You can also combine chocolate-covered cacao nibs in a bowl with pistachios, almonds or dried fruit for a satisfying dessert. Or make your own trail mix incorporating chocolate covered cocoa nibs.  (Note: the chocolate covered cacao nibs contain more caffeine and sugar than the plain nibs themselves, so be mindful of quantities).

For a deliciously refined example of what chocolate covered cacao nibs should taste like, check out Sweetriot Cacao Nibs – Dark Chocolate 65, 12 Units / 1 oz.

You’ve probably come across various ways to consume raw chocolate. Most common are cacao nibs and raw chocolate bars. But have you tried raw chocolate powder?

Many people aren’t quite sure what to do with raw chocolate powder but it’s an incredibly versatile ingredient. It’s made from raw chocolate, and because of this, it doesn’t contain high levels of caffeine you find in processed chocolate powder. It’s typically vegan-friendly and organic, and a great source of minerals such as magnesium, copper, and calcium.  It’s also rich in antioxidants.

Raw chocolate powder should have a rich, smooth effect on any recipe. You can mix raw chocolate powder into smoothies, yogurt or ice cream. Use it to make a raw chocolate (or non-raw chocolate) cake, or raw chocolate bars
or truffles.

Look for raw chocolate powder made with premium cacao beans and grown with sustainable farming methods. You can buy raw chocolate powder in 1lb and 5lb bags at your local health food grocery store, or check out
Navitas Naturals Cacao Power Raw Powder at this online health food sellers.

The Washington Post recently asked several nutrition experts what they see as the best ingredients to keep in your kitchen that will have positive long-term health effects.

The list include:

• fresh or frozen blueberries
• broccoli and other dark greens
• quinoa
• sardines
• and of course, cacao!

Here’s why cacao made the list of the most healthy foods to incorporate into your diet.

“You’ll often see dark chocolate turn up on “superfood” lists because it contains blood-pressure-lowering plant phenols and loads of antioxidants. Cacao, or raw chocolate, is even better because it lacks sugar and other additives. Though bitter, the whole beans or nibs can be eaten plain. In its powder form, cacao can be mixed into a smoothie or pancake batter, making it taste much like the guilty pleasure we all know and love.”

Nutrition experts recommend healthful must-haves for your kitchen – washingtonpost.com.